Zach Britton returned from an Achilles injury, but the elite closer likely won't get many high-leverage opportunities with the Baltimore Orioles as the club sits 28 games back of first place, perilously out of contention even with three-and-a-half months remaining in the season.
"It's been frustrating to watch as a guy who was injured," Britton, who pitched for the first time of the year this past Tuesday after missing the first two months, told Nick Cafardo of The Boston Globe,
"It’s hard to come and play baseball when people are constantly talking to you about being traded. Normally you want to help your team win and now you’re basically showcasing yourself. It can take a toll on some guys."
Heading into the season, it was expected that Baltimore would be sellers at the deadline, with superstar shortstop Manny Machado on an expiring contract. However, with the Orioles the only team yet to reach the 20-win plateau, Baltimore could pivot to selling sooner and more aggressively than anticipated.
"It’s a weird atmosphere," the 30-year-old Britton added, incensed by the team's "mind-boggling" spot in the standings. "(The Orioles) want to acquire young talent for the future, but for me and the other guys in my situation, it’s been tough to deal (with). Some of us have played together for so long."
Britton has appeared in two games, not allowing a run or hit over two frames while walking three. As the team's closer, he placed fourth in AL Cy Young voting in 2016 after posting a 0.54 ERA over 67 innings with 47 saves.